Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Hedgehog Variation

This rare branch of the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation meets 5. Nc3 with 5...g6 instead of the usual 5...d5 or 5...Be7. Black prepares a second fianchetto, so both bishops press on the center from the flanks. The most frequent reply is 6. Bg5, which pins the f6-knight. Another common reply is 6. d5, gaining space and blunting the b7-bishop. Engines favor 6. Qc2 and give White a slight edge, although Black has scored well in a small sample of games.